These 1st instar larvae or caterpillars are tiny (5-6mm), mainly black in colour with spiky hairs. They will feed, grow and shed their skins over and over, changing colour and pattern as they do. When they are big enough they will spin silk and construct a beautiful cocoon 2/2 @valelnp.bsky.social

We also had a worn but always stunning female Emperor moth. She left us a gift of eggs so we will carefully rear those on for her - they only take around 10 days to hatch, so I'm looking forward to photographing their journey from egg to cocoon. (4/4)

The waves, lines and blocks of black patterning the silvery-pink wings give each Tissue a unique identity. This has been used at some Scottish sites to help survey overwintering sites. Reckon this would be a challenge at some
caverns in Yorkshire, where there can be hundreds of individuals! (3/4)

New for our garden - we had a Tissue moth. They spend the winter as adults, often in caves. In spring they emerge to lay eggs, their caterpillars feed during spring and summer, pupate & the next generation of adults are on the wing by August, ready to mate & overwinter. (2/4)

Wonderful Liam!

Of course - why are people so unbothered?!

I'm amazed how much detritus and pollution is being deposited in space and so few people questioning it.

Lovely. Every time I see a healthy Greenfinch it makes me happy, they do seem to be recovering.